There are few breeds that love the cold as much as Siberian Huskies or Tibetan Mastiffs. Most of ’em are just not built to tolerate cold weather. Dogs who fall under this category usually tend to be shorthaired or hairless dogs, because less hair means less insulation from the cold (obviously), but it can just depend on your dog’s preferences, too.
Regardless of the breed, though, make sure to keep in mind some of these winter pet safety tips.
1. Chihuahua
Considering that this breed comes from the Chihuahua area in hot, sunny Mexico, cold weather is not a Chi’s favorite.
2. Whippet
Although their fur is short and dense, they have little body fat and these guys get cold quite easily.
3. American Pit Bull Terrier
Pibbles are pretty muscular, however they have short hair which makes them feel the cold more. They are also prone to skin conditions, which can get worse when exposed to the cold.
4. Boston Terrier
Besides having short hair, that short nose can make it tough for Boston Terriers to breathe properly in extreme cold (or heat).
5. Pug
Like Boston Terriers, this other brachycephalic breed could have trouble in the cold as well.
6. French Bulldog
Another short-haired, snub nose breed that would prefer to run around in your warm home!
7. Greyhound
The Greyhound’s thin, agile frame makes them very good at running fast, but not so good at staying warm.
8. Boxer
If your Boxer is in good shape (i.e. not carrying extra weight) he will likely get cold in the winter due to his short hair, but like many of the dogs on this list, will happily romp in the snow if you stick a jacket on him!
9. Great Dane
Even though they are HUGE, these dogs don’t have much insulation.
10. Chinese Crested
If you walked around naked all the time, you’d be cold, too.
11. Xoloitzcuintli
It’s unlikely that many people out there have one of these guys, but this Mexican hairless dog will need a sweater in the winter.
12. Dachshund
They have short coats and are low to the ground, so Dachshunds can get cold very easily, especially if there is snow on the ground touching their tummy! They can also get lost in snow banks and suffocate due to their size, so if you do take your Doxie out, keep an eye on her!
13. Basenji
The Basenji is originally from Central Africa, so it only makes sense that he prefers warmer weather.
14. Miniature Pinscher
Min Pins love to snuggle under covers and be warm, so they are probably going to ignore you if you ask them to go outside in the snow.
15. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies do have long hair, but it’s super thin and known as a single coat, which means that most of them actually do need a cute little jacket.
16. Vizsla
Like many sporting dogs, Vizsla’s have a high energy level and like to be busy, which keeps their body fat very low. They also lack an undercoat, which is a thin layer of hair that would keep them warmer in the cold weather.
17. German Shorthaired Pointer
Like the Vizla, these dogs generally have a super high energy level and metabolism, so they don’t carry much extra weight that would keep them warm.
If this made you wonder whether your dog needs a sweater or a layer of clothing, you can check out Does My Dog Really Need To Wear Winter Wear? to find out.
